Dallas Estate Planning
Dallas Estate Planning Attorney
A clear, properly executed estate plan protects the people you love and keeps your wishes out of a Dallas courtroom.
Overview
Dallas Estate Planning Attorney Serving Dallas County
Under Texas Estates Code §251.051, a valid will generally must be in writing, signed by the testator, and attested by two credible witnesses age 14 or older, unless it qualifies as a holographic will.
Our Dallas estate planning team represents clients across Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Rockwall, and Kaufman Counties, bringing plain-language guidance to a process that can otherwise feel overwhelming.
Key Facts
- Texas recognizes both traditional attested wills and handwritten (holographic) wills that are entirely in the testator's own handwriting and signed.
- A durable power of attorney under Texas Estates Code Chapter 751 lets a chosen agent manage your finances if you become incapacitated, without a court-appointed guardianship.
- Without a valid will, Texas intestacy law (Estates Code Chapter 201) — not your personal wishes — determines how your Dallas County estate is divided among heirs.
How It Works
How Our Estate Planning Process Works
Discovery Meeting
We review your assets, family situation, and goals to identify the right combination of documents.
Drafting
We prepare your will, trust, medical power of attorney, and financial power of attorney in plain language.
Execution & Review
We properly execute the documents with required witnesses/notarization and recommend a review schedule as life changes.
2000
Firm Founded
100
+
Legal Professionals
0
DFW-Area Counties Served
0
+
Texas Office Locations
Answers, Directly
Estate Planning FAQ
How often should I update my Dallas estate plan?
Review your plan every 3–5 years or immediately after a major life event — marriage, divorce, birth of a child, a move, or a significant change in assets.
Texas law does not require automatic updates, but outdated beneficiary designations or an outdated executor choice are among the most common estate planning problems we see in Dallas County probate matters.
What is the difference between a will and a living trust in Texas?
A will takes effect only after death and typically must go through probate, while a revocable living trust can hold assets during your lifetime and generally avoids probate for those assets.
Many Dallas clients use both: a trust to manage and transfer major assets privately, and a will as a backstop to address anything not placed in the trust.
Do I need a will if I don't own a house?
Yes. A will controls who receives your personal property, bank accounts, and guardianship nominations for minor children, regardless of whether you own real estate.
Without a will, Texas intestacy rules decide who inherits — which may not match your wishes, especially for blended families, unmarried partners, or friends you’d want to include.
Client Reviews
What Dallas-Area Clients Say
"I needed to update my will and establish a trust after a major life transition. They translated complex legal terms into plain English, laid out all my options transparently, and completed everything ahead of schedule."
— Elena R., Fort Worth, TX